“Our primary goal is to increase neuroscience knowledge and interest in regional WA communities,” Dr Alex Tang said.
On 4 November, the West Australian newspaper’s Cain Andrews at the Broome Advertiser reported about the WA Neuroscience Roadshow:
“Broome students learnt about the true meaning of brain power as the WA Neuroscience Roadshow made its way to town to deliver an engaging educational session on November 3.
The program, hosted at the Broome Civic Centre, included public lectures and hands-on activities such as recording brain electrical activity, viewing brain cells under a microscope, and interacting with 3-D models of human and animal brains.
Two University of WA biomedical scientists, Dr Alex Tang and Dr Jamie Beros, delivered the session and spoke about brain development and plasticity.
“Our primary goal is to increase neuroscience knowledge and interest in regional WA communities,” Dr Tang said.
“Our roadshow will deliver content on how the human brain works, what can go wrong in certain neurological disorders, and how different species of animals have developed unique brains that allow them to survive in their environments.
“Esperance and Broome were selected as they are northern and southern regional hubs with specialised STEM school programs, for example the Follow the Dream and Stars Foundation STEM programs for Aboriginal students.”
Perron Institute neurotrauma research fellow Dr Sarah Hellewell, who delivered a similar education session in Esperance, said the school visits aimed to increase awareness of the exciting career opportunities in neuroscience.
A young group of science, technology, education and mathematics educators also joined the roadshow, including Dr Kelsey Pool from UWA’s School of Agriculture and Environment, Liz Jaeschke-Angi from UWA’s School of Biological Sciences and PhD candidates Emily King and Rebecca Ong from UWA’s Perron Institute.
The WA Neuroscience Roadshow was made possible by an Inspiring WA STEM Grant awarded to D. Tang by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation.
The regional outreach program was also presented in partnership with Deadly Science, Nikon Australia, the Perron Institute, the shires of Broome and Esperance, and UWA’s School of Indigenous Studies.”